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This trip is over and we have arrived safe and sound.  It was a great trip with many fantastic memories.

This last  episode really encompasses just two days but a little extra has been thrown in. The trip from Kakabeka falls started very pleasant with some very pretty lakes along the way. 

But then the rain came  which resulted in a very miserable 20 km drive of construction – the mucky, soupy kinds that was full of potholes, and washboard – no need for rumble strips here.  

There had been some issues with flooding over the road so with the extra rain, it sure didn’t diminish.

Then it was back to the prairies, and the canola crops were in full bloom which is only prettier when next to a field of flax but none were seen. 

There is also evidence of some wind – it wasn’t very difficult to see the direction of the prevailing winds.

It was rather interesting to see all the different signs along the road.  Some are the same as ours but some were entirely new and/or different.  I know some of these are pretty blurry but they were all taken as we rambled down the highway so there was never much time to focus properly but I think you can still see the sign

There are also many different bridges – some are long, some are tall, some are quite elaborate, and some are small and the fit is a bit snug.  Some you can catch in time and manage to avoid a hair raising experience (or rather a vehicle adjustment) and sometimes it isn’t quite so easy.

The scenery throughout the entire trip was ever changing and many times it was nothing short of spectacular.  One never knew what they would see around the next corner, and throughout this trip, I hope I was able to share some of it with you.

We were gone exactly 7 weeks, travelled 11,500 kms on the motorhome and an additional 3,500 kms on the Jeep touring separately.  While I didn’t keep track of the fuels costs on the Jeep, $1.00/mile didn’t quite cover the cost of the motorhome fuel but it was worth every dollar.

Thanks for following along on our trip and I hope you enjoyed it.  I will now take a break until fall, likely the end of October, as we head out for our winter south.  Until then, it is time to do some work.  Take care, have a great rest of the summer, and stay healthy.

Heading Home

We got off the ferry after a nice smooth, boring ride and drove to a new host with the Boondockers Welcome group.  When we arrive, we were greeted by the host and welcomed to share his beautiful property on Lake Bras d’Or – how good is that – just like visiting our friends, Rick & Chris – different lake, same kind of welcome.  We had a short chat but I wasn’t long for sticking around as I was absolutely bushed.

Next morning we are off to explore the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island.  We had checked it out many, many years ago – like  1976, so it was almost like new.  As we were headed out, we spotted a fellow filling a bunch of gallon plastic jugs from what looked like a spring.  Naturally we stopped to see what was happening and yes, it was a spring and he was getting a supply of drinking water.  As luck would have it, we had a five gallon jug in the Jeep so we did likewise (just in case we ran out of good water). 

The drive is incredibly scenic, but it is a rather long drive particularly if you make some stops and take a few strolls.  We took a short hike - Middle Head.

These are the stairs - exposed tree roots

You can see the trail in the background

Fishing boats in a harbour

When there are a lot of flat rocks, folks seem to love building things

Water lilies

A wild orchid

Then it was off, slowly heading westward so next stop was Truro, NS where we went for a stroll to a waterfall.  It was quite a hot day but we were mostly in the shade so really pleasant. 

The tree roots are all above ground due to the rock

The waterfall was a real attraction to escape the heat. 

Then we found that there were some tree sculptures which we thought would be rather interesting.  So we weren’t just driving around aimlessly, I wrote down the addresses as they were listed online.  Well, we went to the first one, could not find it.  Then to the second, and the third, same problem.  Asked a couple of folks – of course one was just visiting, and the other one just hurried by.  Then we went to one at the Legion where we found a mural painted on the side of the building,

but no tree sculpture.  Back to the internet for more info – since the carvings were in trees, the trees eventually rotted and as a result, the sculptures were no more.  Too bad.

Then then spent our last night on the ocean before heading inland.  We parked right near the wharf where there were pretty big boats – mostly fishing boats. 

It seemed they were between seasons as a couple of boats were hauled off on a semi-trailer which I expect it was for repair and/or servicing before the next fish season begins

.  On the wharf are a string of paintings all by local artists. 

Across the street was a small outdoor bar and restaurant.  The weather was perfect so we supported both of them.

When we arrive the tide was out and we saw these jelly fish on the shore.  The locals emphatically warned us not to touch them.  Strange how they are such different colours - some were totally clear.

When we arrived the tide was out, when we left next morning, it was in - quite amazing.

Now every day is a travel day so today we stopped just before Quebec City at a very nice park area, sponsored by Bombardier.  There was a ball diamond where we enjoyed watching some kids practice baseball.  Across the street was an outdoor stage where there was a trio singing.  Some of the songs were in French, and some weren’t but the music was very good.

We drove through the Laurentians where is a beautiful drive; but our Cat wasn’t very crazy about it. 

The temps were +33C and during those long climbs we had to watch  for a lot of growling.  But we slowly, very slowly, got through them and found a visitor centre that provided a parking lot in which to spend the night.  Now this lot is a nice size but not huge.  There were a few folks there when we got there so we parked strategically so we wouldn’t get hemmed in – that was good thinking.  It’s hard to believe how close some folks will park.

As we parked at a boat dock, we went for a walk and saw a couple that seemed to be unloading a bunch of fruit so we go over to see what is happening.  They ran a fruit and vegetable store and were just bringing in a bunch of fresh stock.  It was after hours and they asked if there was anything we wanted.  I said I would like some strawberries, so she got a basket and sold them – sure didn’t say to come back tomorrow when the store is open.  I wish them well.

And on the way, we saw the world's largest snowman.

Then back to Thunder Bay for some cheap fuel (1.72/litre) but first we stopped by the Terry Fox memorial which is located at almost the exact spot that he had to stop his Marathon of Hope due to the recurrence of his cancer.

Then we went over to Kakabeka Falls.  We had been near them several times in the past but had never gone to see them – now I have seen them and they are very nice.

We saw this critter - no idea what it was

And that brings the week to a close.  By next week we will be home so the final blog will be the last few days but will have a real variety of sights that we came across.  I hope everyone has a great week. 

Good-bye Newfoundland

 

This week we say good-bye to Newfoundland - it’s been quite a ride.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to see it all or do it all but we gave it a darn good try – 1850 km on the motorhome and 2650 km on the Jeep! 

We spent the night at a National Park campground near Cow Head as we had booked a boat tour of Western Brook Pond which is a glacial carved, land-locked fiord.  The description of this pond is noted as spectacular and that does not stretch it one bit.  The scenery is incredible in this two hour tour.

We hadn't gone out to eat a whole lot so decided at the end of the day it was time.  Contrary to what we thought, seafood was not that popular on the menu except for cod.  So Gerry decided to order his favourite meal.

The speed limit was quite varied.  It was 100 km on divided highway (some of No. 1) 80 or 90 on others but many of the highways go through small communities so it is slowed to 50 or 60 and sometimes 70.  They wanted to make that the speed limit was noticed.

Then it was time to slowly meander our way southward.  We stopped at Steady Brook (just outside of Corner Brook) where we parked at the bottom of a ski hill.  When you spend a good part of the day in the driver and/or passenger seats, it’s nice to get a little exercise. 

As luck would have it, there was a short hike to some falls.  It’s not that we are really super enthralled with falls, but they are pretty, and it’s always makes for a nice destination.  Of course, it was also time to do laundry.  After laundry we took a stroll around Glynmill at the Margaret Bowater Park.

The tree is just grabbing onto the rock

Best not be looking at your cell phone as you walk

We joined an organization called Boondockers Welcome so it was time to try it out.  There was a spot at Millville which was about 12 kms of the main highway.  Now, the road was less that great but we arrived at our spot – great location behind a general store.  Now this is a true general store.  They had a large amount of groceries (something of almost everything), a hardware store where you could get, I’m sure, almost anything, as well as a music section. 

We took a drive out along the coast on a pretty windy day, and then we were told about a short hike to the cliffs.  The trail was good but at times there were several trails and one never knew for sure which was the correct one. 

As you walked, if you heard a crunch, another one of these fellows bit the dust

Coming back, we mis-judged, and came across a sign that said “no trespassing” – but we didn’t want to have to go all the way back so we continued on.  We came across the owner of the property, apologized for trespassing, and then continued on with a visit for an hour or so.

We arrived in Port aux Basque, found a parking spot, and went off on a drive along the coast.  During our past two and a half weeks in Newfoundland, we saw exceptional scenery along the way.  But, in our drive of about 100 kms (each  way) we saw an amazing amount of different scenery. in one stretch and I think I will be trying to show it all – hope you don’t tired of them (they may be similar to watching family home movies😊). 

Here is some of the varied landscape along this short route.

First stop was Barachois Falls

Jeremiah, the bullfrog

This boardwalk went almost all the way to the falls

These are baked appleberries and are used for jams and desserts.  We didn't get a chance to taste them.

I have mentioned going on quite a number of hikes - how unusual for me.  But I must say that Newfoundland is a hiker's paradise.  There are trails in every community it seems and there are all sorts of skill levels and distances.  Regardless of the kind of hike, every trail is maintained.  And so often, the sights are not to be seen of the road.

Then on to Burnt Islands where we came across an assortment of mats.  We stopped and chatted with the fellow.  He buys old fishing rope from the fishermen and makes these mats.

We drove into every little community along the way.  Keep in mind that many don't have a lot of space for their homes - there is ocean on one side and a mountain of rock on the other.  As a result, driveways may be short, or non-existent and streets may be narrow.

  And laundry day is not always Monday, but seems to be on a day when the sun shines, and a breeze is blowing (breeze, not WIND).  Everyone has a clothes line.

At he end was a lighthouse (as they are everywhere) and it is interesting in the different shapes in which they were built. 

Yes, they needed these as well

Near the light house

And colour is everywhere.

The ferry ride was uneventful, and once again, an ocean with  not a white cap – a rarity I am sure.

Calm as can  be

Our long anticipated trip to Newfoundland is over and it’s now heading home and on to new sights and adventures along the way.